Chinese astronauts return after 7‑month Tiangong stay

Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Friday after completing a nearly seven-month mission aboard the nation's space station. The Shenzhou 21 spacecraft, carrying crew members Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in China's Inner Mongolia region in the evening.

The crew's return follows a handover with a new team that arrived at the Tiangong space station earlier in the week. According to the China Manned Space Agency, the Shenzhou 21 astronauts completed various tasks during their mission, including processing and transmitting experimental data and transferring remaining supplies to the station. They also shared their operational experience with the newly arrived Shenzhou 23 crew.

Officials reported the crew conducted three spacewalks during their stay. Agency spokesperson Zhang Jingbo noted that Zhang Lu, who previously flew on the Shenzhou 15 mission, has now completed a total of seven spacewalks, setting a new record for the most by a Chinese astronaut.

The mission rotation ensures the continuous occupation of the Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," station. The incoming Shenzhou 23 crew consists of commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang...